Analysis, reaction to WWE Elimination Chamber results

I expected an above-average event, but what we got was an average show with a shocking new No. 1 contender in Jack Swagger.

JEFF WILENJAWBREAKER/ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

WWE presented its Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on Sunday.

I expected an above-average event, but what we got was an average show with a shocking new No. 1 contender in Jack Swagger.

Let's review:

Brodus Clay & Tensai beat Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow in the pre-show match. REACT: I was really hoping that Rhodes and Sandow didn't get further buried. So much for that. This being a pre-show match, I didn't catch this one. PICK: I'm 0-1.

Alberto Del Rio beats Big Show for WWE world title. REACT: Nothing horrible with this match, but we've seen it now so many times that it's become routine and uninteresting. They tried. It just wasn't enough. Del Rio also blew one of the spots. PICK: I'm 1-1.

Antonio Cesaro beats The Miz by DQ to retain the U.S. title. REACT: Glad to see this feud will continue. That's good for The Miz, who needs something interesting. This match wasn't horrible, but it didn't steal the show either. Pretty average. I didn't care for the accidental knee to the groin DQ finish. However, I liked The Miz getting angry and delivering the normal DQ kick. PICK: I'm 2-1.

Elimination Chamber for world title match: Jack Swagger beats Daniel Bryan, Kane, Chris Jericho, Randy Orton and Mark Henry. REACT: Slow start to this match until the eliminations started happening. Henry was smartly booked in pinning Bryan and Kane and throwing Orton through the plexiglass. I was correct in predicting Jericho, Orton and Swagger as the final three -- smart to have them gang up on Henry and eliminate him. I didn't like Henry coming in and slamming those three though. It made him more important than those three. I was hoping Henry would bodyslam Booker T. That would have been cool. Nice ring interaction between Jericho and Orton, along with Swagger. It's a shock to have Swagger win this one. Although he was one of the favorites, it lacked spark and didn't really seem all that credible. PICK: I'm 2-2.

Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose/Roman Reigns beats John Cena/Ryback/Sheamus. REACT: This match started a little slow, but picked up nicely with a relatively strong finish. I liked The Shield winning and Ryback getting pinned. However, I thought Ryback should have turned heel and gone after Sheamus, or Cena. The latter would have made less sense with Cena-The Rock upon us, but I guess WWE can save it for a summer feud. Simply put, something was missing with Ryback walking out. Something else should have happened. The Shield got a much-needed win to boost their credibility, so that's a win. PICK: I'm 2-3.

Dolph Ziggler beats Kofi Kingston. REACT: Short match, but I liked what I saw between two of the best athletes in the company. Good to see Ziggler on the card. I'm glad he didn't cash in his title shot. He's needed for the Swagger-Del Rio match. PICK: None.

The Rock beats C.M. Punk to retain WWE title. (Title can change hands via DQ or count out). REACT: This was a pretty good match. Not as good as their Royal Rumble match, but refreshingly different with the referee interaction at the end. The Rock winning was a no-brainer. PICK: I'm 3-4.

ANALYSIS: This PPV was average early and picked up with three of the last four matches. It did not live up to my predicted grade of B+. There were chances -- like a Ryback (or Sheamus) heel turn. Or Ziggler cashing in. But it seemed like WWE played it safe. I'm a fan of Swagger winning, but it's too soon and it wasn't accepted by the live crowd or most of the fans I was watching it. GRADE: C-.